Maria.

23 years in Piha. From Uruguay by way of Hawaii. Licensed real estate agent for Piha, Karekare and Anawhata — someone who knows the coast like the back of her hand.

Maria.

Maria moved to Piha over 23 years ago with her husband and their daughter Nalu, arriving via more than a decade in Kauai, Hawaii — originally from Uruguay. She has been a Licensed Real Estate Agent for 16 years, specialising in the properties along Piha, Karekare and Anawhata. We asked her five questions.

How long have you lived in Piha, and what first brought you here?

I have lived in Piha for over 23 years with my husband and our daughter. We moved from Kauai, Hawaii, to New Zealand after living there for over a decade, prioritising not only a better lifestyle and greater safety but also more opportunities for our daughter, Nalu. We're originally from Uruguay, South America.

We chose Piha because we knew Roy Stanley, whom my husband had met during one of his trips around New Zealand back in 1989. Once we arrived, we fell in love with the incredible landscape, the rugged beauty, and the welcoming community. Surfing was also a big part of our lives and still is today.

We bought our home here six years later, and Piha has truly become home.

What do you do for work (or how do you spend your days)?

I'm an experienced Licensed Real Estate Agent with 16 years in the industry. My areas of expertise are Piha, Karekare, and Anawhata — places I know like the back of my hand, where I've spent countless hours exploring the stunning bush walks and beaches.

What’s something about Piha that surprises people once they actually spend time here?

How close and far it is at the same time. How peaceful it actually is.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Piha?

Bush walks, beach walks or runs are my favourite way to spend my free time.

When I'm working, I most enjoy connecting people with Piha and the surrounding area — sharing what makes this place special and what it truly means to live here.

What do you love most about living here?

The lifestyle that it offers. The balance between being in nature and work. The peace and quiet. The connection I feel with nature, sea and bush.

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Maria is a Licensed Real Estate Agent specialising in Piha, Karekare and Anawhata.